Some of the top volunteers and Main Street district development projects in the state were recognized Friday at the annual Main Street Iowa Development Awards celebration in Des Moines, including two from Charles City.
Pat Ohlerking was honored with Charles City’s Leadership Award/Volunteer of the Year and Prologue Books & Wine was named “Best Business Recruitment Project” for Main Street Iowa communities with a population over 5,000.
Governor Kim Reynolds and Debi Durham, executive director of the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) and Iowa Finance Authority, presented the honors. Dunham said, “The Main Street Iowa program is a powerful economic development tool that has stood the test of time since its introduction in 1985. We continue to see significant growth in business, jobs and investment in communities of all sizes because of the program and are inspiring examples of what’s possible for Iowa’s downtowns.”
Community Development Director Mark Wicks says Ohlerking, a retired Hy-Vee Food Store manager, has given his time, skills and energy for the betterment of the community; serving on the Main Street Charles City Board of Directors, as past Board President for the Charles City Chamber of Commerce, and has served on the United Way Board of Directors.
Wicks says Prologue Books & Wine owner Darci Tracey was recognized for being more than just an entrepreneurial success story. The new business has enhanced the cultural and entertainment appeal of the downtown, and is attracting customers from an hour’s radius of Charles City.
The Spirit of Main Street Award was also presented to the network of 53 local Main Street executive directors, including Wicks, for their dedication, creativity and commitment to their local economic development efforts through the challenges of 2020 and 2021.
